Well, hello there.

Steph just joined her local YMCA, which is decked out with an olympic sized pool, full indoor track, and all the weight machines you could ever ask for.

However, she does not know how to fully utilize this. She's not necessarily going out to lose weight (though that would be great), but mainly to get into shape and gain more muscle and endurance.

Okay, enough third person.

Basically, I would like to start working out more, and I don't know where to begin. I took a kickboxing class on Monday, and it definitely was hard but I liked feeling progress. I carry most of my weight in my abdominal region, and so learning how to tone that would be good.

Any advice for the noob?

Karen hasn't been to her local too much, because she's on a guest past. However, she's going to try to help out Steph as much as she can, and also get the chance to speak in third person!

Well, lessee...

The most fun I had (and biggest workout I got) was at the Zumba class. Basically, it's Latin dance, so there's a few salsa and meringue moves and such. It's definitely not a formal setting or anything and if you mess up, no one cares. I'm not sure if your Y has it or not, so this suggestion might not be of any use XD

The style varies greatly from instructor to instructor. For example, one instructor at our Y relies a LOT more on Latin music and dance moves, while another (my favorite!) is more pop and hip hop. (While I hate those styles of music generally, it's a lot of fun!) Little disclaimer; some of the moves are a bit risque, IMO.

Now, I think that occasionally works out your abs, but I'm not sure. To be safe, I'd suggest also one of those circuit course thingehs that have the crunch machines, bicep curls and such... (not sure that they're called.)

Sooo... yeah, have fun!

Sorry that this is probably what you don't want to hear but if you carry body fat mainly in your abdominal region (or any other region) there truly isn't a way to "target it." Some people have the false impression that working the muscles near the fat will result in losing the fat in that area and that is simply not true in any case.

So basically what I'm saying, is that you just need to work on lowering your bodyfat % in general. Nobody can give you suggestions based on where your fat is unfortunately because your body decides all on it's own where to store and remove fat.

Running is really the best thing if you want to lower body fat.

So true.

I once believe that as well, but like AFA said, your body decides where its going to take fat from.

Listen to AFA and Jako.

In fact, don't pick exercises based on how many calories they burn either.

Pick exercises based on how much you enjoy them. If you pick up a hardcore circuit training routine, you'll eventually stop going to the gym. This does you absolutely no good. Instead, pick stuff you enjoy, and you'll end up doing them more often, which burns more calories, which burns more fat, which eventually achieves your goal.

I enjoy hardcore circuit training classes. Hence "kickboxing." Hahaha.

Good, then keep doing it.

If you like kickboxing, try picking up an actual martial arts class. They usually aren't as intense, but they put a lot of what you learn in kickboxing to practical use.

So, I joined a 12 week program. Today was day one.

For the first month, it's all cardiovascular. They have a point system, where each type of workout is worth a certain amount and is multiplied for each minute you do it. I gained 590 points today. Feeling good.

It's good to be able to do classes and things where people will hold you responsible and accountable.
When your class is over, I'd suggest starting with something you're more comfortable with, whether it be jogging on the track, swimming laps, whatever. Then slowly ease yourself into the weight machines and new things. It'll make it easier for you.
Good luck! Hopefully you do better than I have....